Motorexpo, the free motor show at London’s Canary Wharf, will hold a Drive the Future event to de-mystify electric, hybrid and ultra-economical cars and to showcase these vehicles as realistic options for today’s new car buyers.

Supported by the RAC, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Tesla, Toyota, Skoda, Mitsubishi, Transport for London and the government’s Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, the event will provide the public with a unique opportunity to drive some important, yet-to-be launched new cars, such as Vauxhall’s extended-range electric vehicle, the Ampera.

The event will run from June 6-12 and will be led by automotive industry commentator Quentin Willson.

Willson said: “Rising fuel prices have changed the way we choose our cars and many consumers don’t know that they can now buy a Volkswagen Polo that does 80mpg, a Vauxhall Corsa that can crack 81mpg or a Skoda Fabia that returns 83 miles to every gallon.

Not forgetting all electric cars like the Tesla roadster, Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi i-MiEV or Citroën C-Zero that cost as little as £1.50 to travel 100 miles.

“The UK market now has some of the most economical cars in the world. I want the public to start driving them.”

The Motorexpo is expecting 400,000 visitors this year and it is Britain’s biggest free motor show.

As well as ride and drives, Motorexpo’s Drive the Future section will provide information on Government grants for low emission cars, fuel saving tutorials and technology demonstrations. There will also be the chance to view electric charging-point exhibits and a mobile hydrogen refuelling station.